Method and system for tracking and monitoring status of data storage subsystem components

ABSTRACT

Components in a data storage subsystem are tracked, and their status monitored, with the use of memory devices such as RFID tags. In the practice of the invention, a component of a data storage subsystem, such as a data recording device, is associated with a memory device, such as but not limited to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, that is capable of storing information regarding the data storage component and configured to transmit such information upon interrogation by a reader device. The memory device is coupled to an indicator device that is configured to selectively indicate information about the data storage component.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the tagging of data storage devicesand other data storage subsystem components for purposes of trackingsuch data storage assets and gathering and displaying informationregarding such assets, and in particular relates to a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tagging system for data storage subsystemcomponents and subcomponents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data storage subsystems, such as the IBM TotalStorage Enterprise StorageServer® subsystem¹, contain many types of components and subcomponentssuch as I/O controllers, power system controllers, RAID controllers,host bus adapters, device bus adapters, and data storage devices. Inparticular regard to data storage device components, it is commonpractice in the IT industry to implement a plurality of data storagedevices in a single data storage subsystem, such as within a singleenclosure. For example, the IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Storage ServerModel 800 subsystem contains a plurality ofIBM and IBM TotalStorage are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation in the United States, other countries or both. datastorage devices, namely hard disk drives, ranging in number from thesingle digits (e.g., eight in a particular configuration) up tothousands of such devices, with the number of such devices beingdependent upon the particular configuration of the subsystem. Anotherexample of a data storage subsystem is the IBM TotalStorage EnterpriseTape Library Virtual Tape Server, which is an automated data storagelibrary that contains up to twelve data storage devices, namely magnetictape drives. Data storage devices, as that term is employed herein,refers to any device that has the capability of reading and/or writingdata onto media, and in addition to hard disk drives and magnetic tapedrives, also includes, but is not limited to, optical disk drives,including DVD and CD-ROM drives, as well as any solid state storagedevices. Such data storage devices may also be used as standalonesystems in addition to being used as components of data storagesubsystems.

Data storage devices are typically sold contained in carriers, such as“Hard Drive Carriers” or “HDCs” in the particular case of hard diskdrives. Typically, a data storage device is identified only by a serialnumber or the like. In the particular case of an HDC, the serial numberinformation is typically placed on a label that is then placed on, orattached to, the HDC. The serial number is often printed on the label inthe form of a bar code.

The tracking of HDCs so labeled is typically done, if tracked at all, bymanually tracking such HDCs using a bar code reader to read the serialnumber. A manual tracking system would necessarily include a database,as implemented and maintained by the user, that contains particularinformation associated with a device having a particular bar code. Someexamples of the types of information as may be contained on such adatabase might be location of the particular HDC within a data storagesubsystem, year of manufacture of the hard disk drive, service andmaintenance information regarding the hard disk drive, and such otherinformation as might be useful in regard to a particular data storagedevice.

Regardless of whether a data storage device is used in a standalonecapacity or as a component of a data storage subsystem, such devices canbe difficult to track, even with a properly implemented and maintainedmanual tracking system as described above. For example, if an HDC hasbeen removed from a slot in an enclosure associated with an IBMTotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server data storage subsystem, such asmay contain hundreds or even thousands of such HDCs as described above,and if the user of the subsystem had a manual bar code tracking system,the user would most likely refer to the database for the particularserial number indicated on the removed HDC to access informationregarding its slot location and regarding its status, i.e., whether theparticular HDC contains a working hard disk drive. Without a manualtracking system, a user might necessarily resort to attempting insertionof the HDC into available empty slots in the enclosure with the hopethat the subsystem controller would eventually recognize andre-assimilate the data storage device into the operation of thesubsystem.

Typically, data stored in a data storage subsystem or in a standalonedata storage device, once requested, is needed quickly. It is desirablethat a data storage subsystem or standalone device be maintained in anoperational condition as much as possible, such as the well known, anduniversal, goal of “24×7×365” availability. Therefore, in the event ofthe need for service or maintenance with regard to data storage devices,it is desirable that information regarding such devices be madeavailable to the user or the service provider, as applicable, as quicklyand reliably as possible, and in any event, more quickly and reliably,for example, than might be available via the multi-step process ofreading the barcoded serial number; recording the serial number by handonto paper; accessing a centralized database (which may or may not beaccurate or updated); and then cross referencing the centralizeduatabase using the hand-written serial number to obtain informationregarding the device as may be contained on the database.

A need remains for a means to track components and subcomponents of datastorage subsystems and to gather and display information regarding suchdata storage assets in an improved, more efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The long-felt need of the prior art for tracking data storage assets,such as components and subcomponents of data storage subsystems, andgathering and displaying information regarding such assets, is satisfiedby the present invention. In accordance with the invention, disclosed isa data storage subsystem that has at least one data storage component,with the data storage component being associated with a memory device,such as but not limited to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag,that is capable of storing information regarding the data storagecomponent and configured to transmit such information uponinterrogation. The memory device is coupled to an indicator device thatis configured to selectively indicate information about the data storagecomponent.

Also claimed is a method for enabling the tracking and displaying ofinformation regarding components of a data storage subsystem. Therecited method involves the steps of providing a memory device that iscapable of storing information regarding the data storage component andconfigured to transmit such information upon interrogation; affixing thememory device to at least one data storage component in the subsystem;coupling the memory device to an indicator device; and enabling theindicator device to selectively indicate the information.

Also claimed is a method for obtaining information regarding componentsin a data storage subsystem that has a plurality of data storagecomponents, with substantially each data storage component having anassociated memory device that is coupled to an indicator deviceconfigured to selectively indicate information stored on the memorydevice regarding the data storage component. The recited method involvesthe steps of providing a reader device capable of interrogating thememory devices; sending, via said reader device, an interrogationsubstantially simultaneously to each memory device associated with adata storage component in the subsystem; and observing the indicatordevices that are coupled to the memory devices to ascertain informationregarding the associated data storage components.

Data storage assets that might benefit from the practice of theinvention include, but are in no way limited to, components andsubcomponents of data storage subsystems such as the IBM TotalStorageEnterprise Storage Serves data storage subsystem and the IBMTotalStorage Enterprise Tape Library Virtual Tape Server. Data storagecomponents that might benefit from the practice of the inventioninclude, but are in no way limited to, data storage devices (such ashard disk drives, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical diskdrives such as DVD drives, solid state disk drives and the like),processors, servers, memory modules, power supplies, battery backupunits and the like. Subcomponents of data storage subsystems include butare not limited to, miniature disk drives such as the current 0.8″ and1″ technology drives, daughter and mezzanine cards, Memory DIMMs and amyriad of solid state memory cards available today such as those used indigital cameras, cellular phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants).

For a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference should bemade to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a data storage subsystem that containsdata storage subsystem components that are adaptable to implement anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a data storage subsystem component, inparticular a hard disk drive, and an associated hard disk drive carrier,in an unassembled state;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a hard disk drive in its associated harddisk drive carrier as might be contained within a data storage subsystempictured in FIG. 1 and as would be adaptable to implement an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a memory device that may be implemented inthe practice of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a tag and reader that may be employed inthe practice of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a hard disk drive in its associated harddisk drive carrier having an associated memory device as an embodimentin the practice of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematic of a reader for use in reading a tagin one embodiment of the practice of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the reader according to oneembodiment of the practice of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematic of an RFID tag connected to anindicator device in one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart indicating steps taken in one embodiment of theinvention for obtaining information regarding component in a datastorage subsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the followingdescription with reference to the Figures, in which like numeralsrepresent the same or similar elements. While this invention isdescribed in terms of the best mode for achieving this invention'sobjectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that itis intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as maybe included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

The invention will be described as embodied in regard to a hard diskdrive as an exemplary data storage subsystem component with which theinvention might be practiced. Although the invention shown uses harddisk drives, one skilled in the art will recognize the invention equallyapplies to other types of data recording devices (such as but notlimited to floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drivessuch as DVD drives, solid state disk drives and the like) and also toother types of data storage subsystem components (such as but notlimited to processors, servers, memory modules, power supplies, batterybackup units, and the like). The description of data storage subsystemcomponent is not meant to limit the invention to the aforementionedtypes of components, but rather it is contemplated that the inventioncan be implemented in regard to any discrete part or component thatresides within a data storage subsystem. For example, the invention canbe applied to subcomponents of data storage subsystems, including butnot limited to miniature disk drives such as the current 0.8″ and 1″technology drives, daughter and mezzanine cards, Memory DIMMs and amyriad of solid state memory cards available today such as those used indigital cameras, cellular phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants).

Thus, while a preferred embodiment of the invention will be illustratedand described with respect to hard disk drives, it is to be understoodthat the invention will have broader applications.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a data storage subsystem10, and in particular is an illustration of an IBM TotalStorageEnterprise Storage Server Model 800 data storage subsystem. Thisexemplary data storage subsystem 10 contains a plurality of hard diskdrives 50, as one of the types of components in the subsystem 10 thatcan benefit from the practice of the invention. An exemplary hard diskdrive 50 is depicted in FIG. 2A alongside its carrier 60. FIG. 2Billustrates the hard disk drive 50 as assembled inside associatedcarrier 60.

In the practice of the invention, a memory device is placed inassociation with a data storage subsystem component, such as a hard diskdrive 50 as contained and implemented within a data storage subsystem10. The memory device is capable of storing information regarding thedata storage subsystem component with which it is associated, and it isconfigured to transmit such information upon interrogation. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, a radio frequency identification(“RFID”) tag serves as the memory device. However, the invention is notso limited to that form of memory device. Other forms of memory devicesthat may be employed in the practice of the invention are optical tags,which are similar to RFID tags but rely on an optical signal to transmitdata to and/or from the tag, and touch memory data carriers, which arealso similar to RFID tags but require physical contact to store andretrieve data.

In accordance with the practice of the invention, the data storagesubsystem component is associated with a memory device at any time,e.g., either during, after or as an adjunct to assimilation of thecomponent, e.g., hard disk drive 50, into a data storage subsystem 10.Memory devices can be retrofitted to existing data storage subsystemcomponents which are already in the marketplace.

Referring to FIG. 3, shown is a simplified diagram of an exemplarymemory device 70 for tagging and tracking a data storage components in adata storage subsystem 10, such as a hard disk drive 50. The memorydevice contemplated in the practice of the invention would include apassive resonant radio frequency (RF) circuit 72 for use in detectingwhen the tag 70 is within a zone monitored by a reader or interrogator,as is well known in the art. An example of a well-known type of resonantcircuit 72 for RFID tags has a coil antenna 74 and a capacitor 76 whichtogether form the resonant circuit 72 with a predetermined resonantfrequency, i.e., the selected radio frequency deriving from the valuesrepresented by the coil 74 and the capacitor 76. Power for the tag 70can be derived from the antenna 74 as is well known in the art. The tag70 further includes an integrated circuit (IC) 78 which represents thelogic portion of the tag. The IC 78 is electrically connected to theresonant circuit 72. It is noted that the capacitor 76 may be eitherexternal to the IC 78 or within the IC 78, depending on the desiredimplementation of the circuit 72. The IC 78 includes a programmablememory 80 such as a 256 bit Electrically Erasable Programmable Read OnlyMemory (EEPROM) for storing bits of information, i.e., informationregarding the data storage subsystem component with which the RFID tag70 is associated. Thus, the foregoing describes an exemplary radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, which typically includes a memory80 for storing data, an antenna 74, an RF transmitter and/or RF receiver72, and logic 78 for controlling the various components of the memorydevice.

As is well known in the art of such memory devices as RFID tags, areader 84, (i.e., an RFID reader in the case of RFID technology) is usedto interrogate and poll the memory device 70 (i.e., RFID tag in the caseof RFID technology) to obtain information stored on the memory device 70in the memory 80. Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a simplifieddiagram of a system 86 involving a reader 84 and a tag 70, with reader84 having antenna 75 and tag 70 having antenna 74. The reader 84 isconfigured to transmit an interrogation signal 86 that is received bythe tag 70, which includes an element that is responsive to a radiofrequency interrogation signal. The term “responsiveness” means, in thecontext of the present invention, that the element provides intelligibleinformation when subjected to an appropriate interrogation field. Inresponse thereto, the tag 70 returns a signal 88 containing data orother information stored in the tag 70 in memory 80. Both the tag 70 andthe reader 84 of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may beformed using known techniques.

As depicted in FIG. 4, and in the practice of the invention, the memorydevice 70 is associated with a data storage component, such as but notlimited to a hard disk drive 50, and the data or other informationstored in memory device 70 regards such associated data storagesubsystem component 50. Preferably, the memory device 70 is affixed(mechanically, chemically or otherwise) or otherwise secured to, or inthe vicinity of the structure of the device or a structure or packagingassociated with the data storage subsystem component, e.g., a carrier 60for the device such as an HDC. Turning to FIG. 5, a hard disk drive 50in carrier 60 represents the data storage component, with RFID tag 70being secured to the carrier 60 via an appropriate adhesive material. Asdescribed earlier, it is contemplated that in the practice of theinvention, the memory device 70 stores information regarding the devicewith which it is associated.

The reader 84 is contemplated to typically be a handheld device or fixedmounted device that is battery powered, although the source of power isnot limited to batteries. The power source is preferably integral to thereader 84, although the reader 84 can be tethered to a larger powersource, i.e., a larger power source of the type that might be wornaround a user's waist, or the reader could receive power via anelectrical cord plugged into an electrical outlet. Preferably, thereader 84 is a separately powered, hand held device.

Turning to FIG. 6, more detail is presented regarding thereader/interrogator 84 preferably used in the practice of the invention.The handheld RFID reader (also termed “interrogator”) 84 of the presentinvention preferably includes a transmitter 90, a receiver 92, antennaassembly 74, and data processing control circuitry 94. The output of thetransmitter 90 is connected to the input of the antenna assembly 75. Theoutput of the antenna assembly 75 is connected to a first input of thereceiver 92. A first input and first output of the data processing andcontrol circuitry 94 are connected, respectively, to the first outputand second input of receiver 92. The second output of the dataprocessing and control circuitry 94 is connected to the first input oftransmitter 90, while the third output is connected to computer 48. Itmay also contain various feedback systems, including lights, audio and adisplay. The reader 84 generates the interrogation signal 86 of theproper frequency and range to interact (wirelessly) with the nearby RFIDtags 70. Such interrogation signals can be emitted in a range from oneinch to one hundred feet or more, as a rough example, depending upon itspower input and the radio frequency used. When an RFID tag 70 passesthrough the interrogation signal 86, the tag 70 detects the signal 86and is activated, as is well known in the art. Data encoded in the tag70 in memory 80 is then transmitted through reflection (modulation ofthe incoming RF signal) by the modulated signal 88 through the antenna75, through the receiver 92 to the data processing and control 94 forsubsequent processing.

Turning to FIG. 7, an exemplary reader 84 is depicted, although thereader 84 is not limited to the depicted design in the practice of theinvention. The depicted exemplary reader 84 includes a microprocessor 98coupled via bus 96 to a random access memory (“RAM”) 100. The RAM 100can include a characteristic data string buffer 102 to temporarily storecharacteristic data strings, as will be explained in greater detailbelow. Alternatively, the reader 84 can include a discretecharacteristic data string buffer (not shown). While FIG. 7 shows asingle microprocessor 98, the reader 84 may include several separatededicated processors, e.g., one microprocessor for each type of RFID tagreadings.

Continuing with FIG. 7, a read only memory (“ROM”) 104 storesinstructions for execution by the microprocessor 98 to operate the radio106. As used herein the ROM 104 includes any nonvolatile memory,including erasable memories such as EEPROMs. The programmedmicroprocessor 98 can control the radio 106 to emit an interrogationsignal 86, including any required polling codes or encryption, and toreceive a return signal 88 from an RFID tag 70.

The reader 84 also includes a means for providing user input. The userinput device 111 can take the form of a keypad, mouse, touch screen,and/or other user operable device to input information and/or commandsto the reader 84. The bus 96 couples the user input device to themicroprocessor 98, to allow the user to enter data and commands.

A handheld RFID reader device 84 can interrogate and identifyRFID-tagged items whenever it is activated within range of the items.Intermittent activation can be provided by, for example, a trigger 112associated with the device, so that the elapsed time for which power isrequired for the RFID device 84 is minimized.

Various modifications of the illustrated reader 84 are known to those ofskill in the art including, for example, using separate antennas for theinterrogation source 84 and the receiver 92 in place of the singleantenna 75 that is illustrated in FIG. 6. It will be appreciated thatother forms of modulation such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequencymodulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) may be used to convey thestored tag identification.

An RFID tag can be passive, semi-passive or active, as would be known bya skilled artisan. A passive RFID tag contains no separate power sourceof its own; an active tag contains its own separate additional powersource, typically a battery(ies); and a semi-passive tag is a hybrid ofpassive and active tags. Typically, a semi-passive tag is partiallypowered by a separate power source (typically but not limited to abattery), as described above for an active tag, and partiallyinductively powered, as described above for a passive tag. In any event,the invention is not limited to any particular type of RFID system,i.e., to systems respectively employing passive, active or semi-passivetags, but rather is merely dependent upon the ability of the tag 70 tocontain certain information and then to cause the display of suchinformation upon interrogation by a reader 84.

By way of brief description but not limitation, a passive tag istypically read-only because of the power requirements of write activity,for which a passive tag does not have its own power source to meet. Apassive tag is typically inductively powered, i.e., from the powergenerated by the tag's antenna coil 74 in response to the reader's 84interrogating radio frequency field 86, and uses that energy to transmitresponse codes 88 by modulating the impedance the antenna 74 presents tothe interrogating field, thereby modulating the signal reflected back tothe reader antenna 74. The power so generated may be used directly ortemporarily stored in a capacitor for later use. Communication using apassive tag where an interrogation signal is modulated and reflected bythe passive device is known and will not be described in detail herein.Briefly, backscatter communications involve selectively changing andreflecting the interrogation signal 86 by the tag 70. The tag 70rectifies the field and dynamically changes the reflectivecharacteristics of the tag antenna 74, creating a change in reflectivitythat is seen at the reader 84. The reader 84 receiving the reflectedenergy is usually the device that has supplied the original energyrequired for this communication, and the reader 84 is configured toextract the data in the modulated reflected signal 88 by comparing themodulated reflected signal to the original interrogation signal 86. Therange of passive tags is more limited than that achievable with activetags.

An active tag's separate power source is typically a battery. While itis contemplated in the practice of this invention that the power sourcewill be separate from that powering the data storage device, theinvention is not so limited. In any event, having a separate powersource offers several advantages over a passive tag. One advantage ofhaving a separate power source is that it permits active RFID tags 70 tocreate and transmit strong response signals 88 even in regions where theinterrogating radio frequency field is weak, and thus an active RFID tag70 can be detected at greater range. However, in the practice of theinvention, it is not contemplated that the reader 84 and the tag 70would be separated by any significant range, but rather should occupythe same physical room, e.g., of a building housing a data storagesubsystem and its components. In any event, another advantage for anactive RFID tag 70 is the availability of sufficient power to offerwrite capability to the tag. However, the relatively short lifetime oftypical batteries available at the time of this invention limits theuseful life of the tag 70. Also, a battery adds to the size and cost ofthe tag.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the foregoing threetypes of tags, i.e., passive, active or semi-passive, share many commonfeatures and that any of the three can be used in the practice of theinvention. Some common features of the tag include an integrated circuit78 and resonant frequency (RF) circuit 72 for use in detecting when thetag 70 is within a zone monitored by a reader/interrogator 84, as iswell-known in the art, with the components of the RFID tag beinggenerally formed on a substrate. The integrated circuit provides the“intelligence” to the tag, i.e., the primary identification function. Itincludes software and circuitry to provide a programmable memory 80(such as a 64 bit memory) that is capable of permanently storing the tagidentification and other desirable information interpret and processcommands received from the interrogation hardware, respond to requestsfor information by the interrogator 84, and assist the hardware inresolving conflicts resulting from multiple tags 70 responding tointerrogation simultaneously, the occurrence of which is contemplated inthe practice of the invention when a reader 84 interrogates the tags 70each associated with a data storage component in a data storagesubsystem 10. Integrated circuits 78 suitable for use in RFID tags 70include those available from PolyIC (a German company developing printedelectronic circuits and jointly owned by Siemens), Texas Instruments (intheir TAG-IT line of products, for example), Motoral/Indala, and SingleChip Systems, among others.

It is noted that the geometry of the antenna 74 and its propertiesdepend on the desired operating frequency of the RFID portion of the tag70, and such design of the antenna 74 are known by those skilled in theart. Regardless of the specifics of the antenna 74 structure and design,it intercepts the radio frequency energy radiated by an interrogationsource 84. This signal energy carries both power and command to the tag70. The antenna 74 enables the RF-responsive element to absorb energysufficient, in the case of a passive or semi-passive tag, to power theIC chip 78 and thereby provide the response to be detected. Thus, thecharacteristics of the antenna 74 must be matched to the system in whichit is incorporated, as would be known by one of skill in the art.

A capacitor 76 is often included as an element of the tag 70 in order toincrease the performance of the tag 70. A capacitor 76, when present,tunes the operating frequency of the tag 70 to a particular value. Thisis desirable for obtaining maximum operating range. As is known to thoseof skill in the art, the capacitor 76 may either be a discrete componentof the tag 70 or integrated into the antenna 74. More particularly, asdescribed above, the capacitor 76 may be either external to the IC 78,or the capacitor 76 may be within the IC 78, depending upon the desiredimplementation of the resonant circuit 72. In addition to theaforementioned components of RFID tags 70, RFID tags can also include anumber of other discrete components, such as transistors, diodes,resistors and capacitors.

Of course, other tag designs could also be used with the presentinvention aside from those described above, and the invention is notlimited to the particular tag design described above.

The user interface 111 for the reader 84 is designed both to communicatethe status of searching and to allow the user to enter data. Enteringdata may include switching the device 84 among various search modes andentering data specific to a task. Feedback to the user may be providedthrough any human-perceptible indicator, namely visual or audioindicators, as is known in the art. More particularly, turning to FIG.7, the bus 96 couples the visual and audio indicators 110,114 to themicroprocessors 98 for control thereby. The visual indicators can take avariety of forms and is not limited to any particular sort of display orsignal. Some examples of visual indicators that might be useful in thepractice of the invention include, but are not limited to: lightemitting diodes (“LEDs”, whether uni-color or multi-color); a graphicdisplay such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”); and/or an alphanumericdisplay. The audio indicator 114 can take the form of one or moredynamic, electrostatic or peizo-electric speakers. The speaker 114 isoperable to produce a variety of sounds (e.g., buzzes, beeps, clicks)and/or frequencies (e.g., tones), and to operate at different volumes ispreferably provided though a combination of sound, lights and display.The display may either be integrated into the unit or separated.

In the practice of the invention, the memory device 70 (such as an RFIDtag, in the preferred embodiment) is configured to store, or to pointto, information regarding the data storage subsystem component 50 (e.g.,a hard disk drive) with which it is associated. The informationcontemplated to be stored regarding the component is not limited to anyparticular type of information. By way of example but not limitation,the information may include, for the particular data storage subsystemcomponent, the serial number, manufacturer, year of manufacture,capacity, technology, data rate and other information available at thetime of manufacture of the data storage device.

It is contemplated that the memory device 70 be used to store certaintypes of security-related data. Such security-related data iscontemplated to be used to prevent operation of the data storagesubsystem component 50 unless it is properly connected to the subsystem10 and can be used to monitor movement of the data storage subsystemcomponent 50 through an interrogation zone of an RFID reader/writer 84,permitting removal of the data storage subsystem component only ifauthorized, and initiating an alarm indicator if removal isunauthorized.

In general, any asset which can be uniquely identified, usually by amanufacturer's serial number, can be integrated with an RFID taggingsystem and be a tracked asset within the subsystem 10.

As opposed to passive RFID tags, active RFID tags, which by definitioncan be updated with post-manufacture information, can containinformation including but not limited to location of slot in a datastorage subsystem 10 into which the device is placed; inspection,service and repair information; shipping date; etc. Such information maybe appended and modified during the life of the component, facilitatingtracking the life history of the component. Thus, the tag 70 used inconjunction with the data storage subsystem component may be configuredto enable programming of the tag to update the status of its condition.As additional examples, the tag 70 can be programmed by the manufacturerat the time of shipment to a customer with information regarding themanufacturer; delivery of the data storage device; and expected life ofthe storage device. The customer or service provider may then programthe tag 70 or use another tag 70 to store information regarding thelocation of the data storage subsystem component within a data storagesubsystem 10 (e.g., in case the component is moved to a new slot in thesubsystem 10); the date of last service of the component; and otheruseful information regarding the status of the component.

Optionally, the information stored on an active tag 70 can be updated ona database that is either associated with the reader 84 that is locatedat a remote location and coupled to the reader 84, or both. Such adatabase can be accessed via the Internet or a local intranet, such asmight be found in a customer's computing environment. Readers 84 can belinked to the Internet or intranet, as applicable, and the presentcondition or status of the data storage subsystem component 50 canaccordingly automatically monitored and reported without need for humaninput.

It is noted that there are a number of options for transferring databetween the handheld device 84 and another processing station. A dockingstation approach can be used to upload or download data. This methodcould be used, for example, to upload information prior to performing asearch to find specific data storage subsystem components 50. Anotheroption would be to download data regarding the data storage subsystemcomponents 50 into the reader 84. The link for the download or upload ofinformation could be implemented as a docking station; as a wireless orcabled download and or upload; as a wireless or cabled, real-time linkbetween the handheld device 84 and another processor, or in any othermanner suitable for transferring such data.

Many modern RFID tags 70 also provide significant amounts of useraccessible memory, sometimes in the form of read-only memory orwrite-once memory, but more preferably offering the user the ability torepeatedly update the memory by rewriting its contents remotely, e.g.,from the reader 84. The amount of memory can vary, and as such,influences the size and cost of the IC portion 80 of an RFID tag 70.Typically, between 128 bits and 512 bits of total memory can be providedeconomically at present.

The condition of the tag 70 may also be monitored by using a device thatdetects a changed condition of the data storage subsystem component 50.This can include, but is not limited to, detecting whether the componenthas moved, where it is presently located, and other information. Thedetection of the changed condition can be accomplished in a variety ofways, including physical switches, Doppler radar, and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tag readers 84 and RFID tags 70used can detect a plurality of data storage subsystem components, suchas hard disk drives 50, having tags 70 which are simultaneously passedthrough or scanned by a reader 84. In most instances, each of thecomponents 50 receive and respond to the interrogation signal at adifferent instance in time, even when the components, e.g., disk drives50, are physically close together. The string of returned signals isprocessed to sort out the individuals IDs. However, if the tags 70associated with multiple hard disk drives 50, for example, return IDsignals at exactly the same instance, the reader 84 can either sort outthe returned signal to recover the two distinct IDs or can ignore thesimultaneously received signals and use subsequent return signals whichare not simultaneously received to sort out the individuals ID's. Evenwith large numbers of data storage subsystem components, the reader 84along with memory device 70 on each component, e.g., hard disk drive,can resolve multiple simultaneously received signals. A number ofstandard algorithms can be used to handle such situations.

It is contemplated that, in the preferred embodiment of the practice ofthe invention, the memory device 70 will, in addition to responding tointerrogation signals 86 via signal 88, also indicate a response to areader 84 inquiry through an indicator device. Turning to FIG. 8,therein is depicted a memory device 70 (in particular, an RFID tagassembly) in connection with a visual indicator 200 as well as with anaudible alarm 210. In practice, memory device 70 would transmit theappropriate signals to the associated indicator devices 200 and/or 210such that the indicator devices for the data storage subsystem component50 matching the inquiry by the reader 84 would so indicate (via light,audible sound, etc.) The visual indicators 200 could take a variety offorms, for example: light emitting diodes (“LEDs”, whether a uni-colorLED or multi-color LED, or the like); a graphic display such as a liquidcrystal display (“LCD”); and/or an alphanumeric display. The audioindicator 210 could also take many forms, for example, the form of oneor more dynamic, electrostatic or peizo-electric speakers. The audioindicator 210 could be operable to produce a variety of sounds (e.g.,buzzes, beeps, clicks) and/or frequencies (e.g., tones), and to operateat different volumes. It is contemplated that visual indicator 200 wouldbe the preferred indicator device, with an audio indicator 210contemplated to be employed, if at all, in conjunction with a visualindicator 200, such as might prove useful to the visually impaired. Theinvention is not limited to any particular sort of display or signal bythe tag 70. The foregoing indicator devices 200, 210 are readilycommercially available and will not be illustrated or described indetail herein. The source of power for such indicator devices 200, 210can be a small power cell incorporated into the device 200,210 orambient energy received via the antenna 74 on the RFID tag 70, or energyfrom an interrogation signal sent form a remote reader 84.

It is contemplated that the users and operators of data storagesubsystems 10 may utilize the functionality of the present invention toobtain information regarding the components in the data storagesubsystem 10 and to utilize such information in assessing status of thesystem 10; streamlining service calls on the system 10; performingmaintenance checks on the system 10; augmenting inventory control;verifying HDD compatibility for both capacity and RPM; etc. For example,a service technician may wish to obtain information regarding which harddisk drives 50 in the subsystem 10 were manufactured prior to somecertain date such that proactive replacement of such drives mightwarranted. The types of information that would be useful to store on thememory device 70 in memory 80 in regard to the data storage subsystemcomponent 50 are not limited to any particular type of information, suchthat the examples noted herein are merely for purposes of illustration.

It is noted that the performance of steps in the practice of theinvention may be performed as part of a service engagement. For example,a consulting business may have service responsibility for the datastorage subsystem 10. Such service responsibility may include such tasksas system upgrades, error diagnostic, performance tuning andenhancement, installation of new hardware, installation of new software,configuration with other systems, and the like. As part of this service,or as a separate service, the service provider may employ the inventionin order to accomplish some or all of the foregoing tasks. For thesereasons, the steps depicted in FIG. 9 (described below) are indicated asbeing accomplished by a “service provider,” although the invention isnot so limited and may be accomplished by a user or operator of thesystem 10 or any delegate or agent thereof. It is noted that the stepsdepicted in FIG. 9 can be performed in other orders, and that the seriesof steps depicted are for illustrative purposes only.

Turning to FIG. 9, therein is depicted an exemplary series of steps thata service provider in regard to data storage subsystem 10 might employin the practice of the invention. In Step 300, the service providerprograms to reader 84 to conduct an interrogation of the memory devices70 associated with data storage subsystem components 50 that are part ofthe subsystem 10. An example interrogation might to designed todetermine which hard disk drives 50 in the system 10 were manufacturedbefore a select date, such that the service provider would then replaceall such identified disk drives. Continuing to Step 310, the serviceprovider triggers the reader 84 to issue the interrogation signal 86. InStep 320, the service provider scans the memory devices 70 of interestin subsystem 10. In Step 330, memory devices 70 receive theinterrogating signal 86 and respond to the signal 86 with signal 88. Inregard to the example inquiry of determining which hard disk drives 50were manufactured prior to a select date, and in a preferred embodiment,if a memory device contains information in its memory 80 that would deema positive response to the inquiry, such memory device 70 would indicatethe positive response by transmitting appropriate signals to associatedvisual indicator device 200 and thereby activating device 200, e.g.,turn on the indicator light. Thus, the service provider would be enabledto discern, by simply observing the responses of the indicator devices200, which drives 50 should be replaced in subsystem 10. In Step 340,the service provider might then choose to act on the informationreceived in the interrogation, and in this example, would remove theindicated disk drives 50 and replace such drives with newer drives.Without the invention, the service provider might have to resort tochecking the bar codes of each drive 50 against a database in amulti-step, tedious process.

In another embodiment of the invention, the reader 84 could beprogrammed with specific information identifying certain components thatan operator/service provider wishes to locate. In such case, the uniqueidentifier for each desired data storage subsystem component 50 would bestored in the reserved memory location in the handheld reader. As theidentifier of, for example, disk drive devices 50 were read by thereader 84, each would be compared, using standard software routinesknown to those skilled in the art, with the list of items stored inmemory. When a match occurred, the indicator device 200 and/or 210associated with the drive 50 would create one or more visual, audio orother signals indicating the presence of the component. One applicationfor this function includes locating items that are believed to bemissing. Another application for this function is for an operator toidentify, for example, which disk drives 50 are near end of life,requiring likely impending replacement or maintenance.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate thatmodifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A data storage subsystem, comprising: A data storage subsystemincluding at least one data storage component; A memory deviceassociated with said at least one data storage component, said memorydevice capable of storing information regarding said data storagecomponent and configured to transmit said information uponinterrogation; and An indicator device coupled to said memory deviceconfigured to selectively indicate said information.
 2. The data storagesubsystem of claim 1 wherein said memory device comprises a RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) tag.
 3. The data storage subsystem ofclaim 1 wherein said data storage subsystem is contained inside at leastone enclosure and wherein said at least one data storage component is atleast substantially contained inside said at least one enclosure.
 4. Thedata storage subsystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one data storagecomponent comprises a data storage device.
 5. The data storage subsystemof claim 3 wherein said at least one data storage device is selectedfrom the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a magnetic tape drive,and an optical disk drive.
 6. The data storage subsystem of claim 1wherein said memory device is affixed to said at least one data storagecomponent.
 7. The data storage subsystem of claim 2 wherein said RFIDtag is an active tag.
 8. The data storage subsystem of claim 2 whereinsaid RFID tag is a passive tag.
 9. The data storage subsystem of claim 1wherein said information comprises data regarding said at least one datastorage component and wherein said information comprises at least one ofthe following as such pertains to said at least one data storagecomponent: Serial number data; Model number data; Manufacturerinformation; Information regarding most recent service and maintenanceregarding said data storage device; and Date of manufacture data. 10.The data storage subsystem of claim 1 further comprising a readercapable of interrogating said memory device.
 11. The data storagesubsystem of claim 1 wherein said indicator device comprises a displaydevice.
 12. The data storage subsystem of claim 10 wherein saidindicator device is selected from the group consisting of an LED displaydevice and an LCD display device.
 13. A method for enabling the trackingand displaying of information regarding components of a data storagesubsystem, said data storage subsystem comprising a plurality of datastorage components, said method comprising: Providing a memory device,said memory device capable of storing information and configured totransmit said information upon interrogation; Affixing said memorydevice to at least one data storage component; Coupling said memorydevice to an indicator device; and Enabling said indicator device toselectively indicate said information.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein said memory device is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)tag.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein said data storage subsystem isat least partially contained inside at least one enclosure and whereinsaid at least one data storage component is at least substantiallycontained inside said at least one enclosure.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein said at least one data storage component comprises a datastorage device.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said at least onedata storage device is selected from the group consisting or a hard diskdrive, a magnetic tape drive, and an optical disk drive.
 18. The methodof claim 16 wherein one said memory device is affixed to substantiallyeach of said at least one data storage devices comprising said pluralityof data storage components.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein said RFIDtag is an active tag.
 20. The method of claim 14 wherein said RFID tagis a passive tag.
 21. The method of claim 13 wherein said informationcomprises data regarding said at least one data storage component andwherein said information comprises at least one of the following as suchpertains to said at least one data storage component: Serial numberdata; Model number data; Manufacturer information; Information regardingmost recent service and maintenance regarding said data storage device;and Date of manufacture data.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein saidindicator device is enabled to selectively indicate said information.23. A method of obtaining information regarding components in a datastorage subsystem, said data storage subsystem including a plurality ofdata storage components, each said data storage component havingassociated therewith a memory device, said memory device capable ofstoring information regarding said associated data storage component andconfigured to transmit said information upon interrogation, said memorydevice coupled to an indicator device configured to selectively indicatesaid information, said method comprising the following steps: Providinga reader capable of interrogating said memory device; Sending, via saidreader, an interrogation to each said memory device to obtaininformation regarding each said associated data storage component; andObserving said indicator devices to ascertain said information for eachsaid associated data storage component.
 24. The method of claim 23wherein said memory device comprises a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) tag.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of sending, viasaid reader, an interrogation to each said memory device to obtaininformation regarding each said associated data storage component isaccomplished substantially simultaneously for each said memory device.26. The method of claim 23 wherein said data storage subsystem is atleast partially contained inside at least one enclosure and wherein eachsaid data storage component is at least substantially contained insidesaid at least one enclosure.
 27. The method of claim 23 wherein said atleast one data storage component comprises a data storage device. 28.The method of claim 27 wherein said at least one data storage device isselected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a magnetic tapedrive, and an optical disk drive.
 29. The method of claim 24 whereinsaid RFID tag is a passive tag.
 30. The method of claim 24 wherein saidRFID tag is an active tag.
 31. The method of claim 30 further comprisingthe step of writing an update to the information stored in said RFIDtag.
 32. The method of claim 23 wherein said information comprises atleast one of the following as such pertains to said at least one datastorage component: Serial number data; Model number data; Manufacturerinformation; Information regarding most recent service and maintenanceregarding said data storage device; and Date of manufacture data. 33.The method of claim 23 wherein said indicator device is a displaydevice.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein said indicator device isselected from the group consisting of an LED display device and an LCDdisplay device.
 35. The method of claim 23 wherein said indicatordevices indicate said information by an audible sound.